~ "By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; Through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures." ~ "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing" ~ "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy." ~ "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."~

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Romanian Doughnuts....Gogosi. These days I try to limit the amount of frying I do, but every once in a while I like making this recipe for gogosi... When we were kids, my mom would sometimes make a batch of these doughnuts for us. It was a special treat. She would let us eat as many as we wanted ...those were the days:)! Actually, there were quite a few of us in the family, so there was just enough to go around. We really never had more than we should:). My mom will now make the doughnuts for the grandkids...the gogosi are usually gone within a matter of minutes. Nothing beats grandma's cooking...

I happened to make a batch of gogosi recently and decided that I should take some photos. Seeing as I do not have a recipe for gogosi, I thought it would be nice if I would include this recipe as part of my Romanian section. Maybe some of you might like to try it someday. I only make them once in a while. But the other day, my husband was really craving some gogosi... I thought what better way than to make the gogosi for him, and at the same time, share it here. I don't exactly remember how this recipe came about. I do know, however, that I tried many versions until I settled on this recipe. A few years ago I happened to make this exact recipe, and we really loved them. I jotted the recipe down and filed it away with my other recipes. It was a keeper. I've kept it ever since. Maybe one day I'll try a different recipe... But for now, I'll stick with this one.

When making the recipe, just make sure you let the dough rise in a warm environment...I can't stress that enough. It is very important. Also, make sure your oil is at the right temperature....you don't want them to burn. They are best eaten warm. Hope you enjoy....

You will need:

4 cups flour(+/-...you definitely do not want a stiff dough)

2 1/2 tsp instant yeast

1 tsp salt (can use less if you like)

1 cup warm milk(110-120 deg)

1/3 cup sugar

2 eggs, beaten

2 TBS butter, melted

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp lemon zest,grated

2 tsps orange zest, grated

Additional

oil for frying

powdered sugar

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine eggs, sugar, milk and butter. Add the zest here too:)
2. Place the flour, yeast, and salt in a mixer bowl. Add the egg/milk mixture.
3. Using a mixer and bread dough hook, knead the dough for 5-6 minutes.

4. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hr, or until at least double in size.

5. Take dough out and plop it on an oiled countertop.

6. Roll out to about 1/2 inch thick (or thereabouts). Cut round/square shapes using a biscuit cutter (or even a round/square glass). I like to place them on a cookie sheet and let them rise again in a warm and cozy place(such as the oven). If your kitchen is not warm enough, the dough won't rise as much...so, place them in a warm oven(that you have preheated for a few seconds or so... remember to turn oven off). It should feel nice and cozy, not hot.

7. Let rise for 30 minutes or so until almost doubled in size.

8. Bring oil to 375 deg F. Fry a few doughnuts at a time for a minute on each side or until golden brown.They should puff up nicely. Make sure the heat is not too high, as they will get dark and not cook inside.

9. Drain on paper towels and toss with powdered sugar while warm. You can also skip the powdered sugar and fill them with your favorite jam.

23 comments:

I love you for posting this recipe :) I cannot get enough of Gogosi but never made them myself. I will make some tonight....hope my kids love them as much as I did growing up. Your blog really means a lot to me because I came to the States when I was young and lost my mom when I was young, so I never had anyone teach me our traditional dishes. This is a treat for me to learn through your expertise. Multumesc mult!

This isn't my mom's recipe...so, I am hoping you will like it... even more so, your kids. It would be wonderful for them to experience what we did:). I feel honored that you would consider making my recipe...You've been so sweet with your comments. I enjoy hearing from you:)... Iti doresc suces cu reteta. Sa ai o zi placuta! ~Ellie

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for posting a recipe for gogosi...yeay! I try to stay away from fried stuff too, but just knowing that recipe is on your blog is very comforting...like re-capturing a nostalgic childhood memory and holding it close. =)

Adina, Ah, thanks for letting me know I omitted the salt in the recipe. Yes, 1 tsp should be just right... Though you could use a bit less if you like... say, 3/4 tsp or so. I'll make sure to include that in the ingredients.

I'm hoping you will enjoy the gogosi... and that they come out for you as well.

Oh my goodness! I am so happy I came across your website. I have found some recipes on your blog that my grandmother used to make during my childhood. I got so excited to see Sarmale and Supa de galuste! Then when I came across Gogosi, I started tearing up quickly. Made me feel closer to her. Thank you for posting these. I can't wait to make these dishes for my family!!! - Monia

Monia, I'm so happy the Romanian recipes I've posted have brought on good memories for you:). It's nice to remember those we love... even through the foods they made for us as children.

Now, after cooking and baking myself... I see how much love was put in preparing such dishes. Appreciate it even more! But it's nice to be able to replicate some of those dishes for our own families...

I sure hope your family enjoys your labor of love:)... and thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment. Have a great day!

Ellie, I have never been so successful in the kitchen as I am with your Romanian recipes. My husband was born in Romania and my mother in law always talks about all the food she used to eat, of course the few things she makes here in the states are delicious but I am always looking for something new to make. I found your blog and your recipes have made my husband fall in love with me all over again and in law family share great memories. Thank you so much for that! Easter is soon on its way and I cannot wait to make this recipe! I know my family will enjoy them immensely. Keep up the good work! Thanks again! -Kate

Aww, Kate.... you simply brightened my day! Thanks so much for your kind comment. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback. It means so much that I could be of help... so glad your family is enjoying your Romanian cooking! I'm sure it's the love you are putting in the dishes that make them soo good:)! Glad you are bringing back lovely memories, it makes the dinner table that much more enjoyable.

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